Recent Water Damage Posts

The Benefits of Flushing a Water Heater

A water heater is an essential appliance in a home, bringing hot water for bathing, washing hands and cleaning clothes and dishes. A good heater will last for years, and a bit of simple maintenance can extend the lifespan of your heater. By flushing out your heater every year or so, you can prevent expensive repairs. You can also decrease the likelihood of the appliance failing before its time. When this happens, water often gushes out of the bottom of the heater and soaks everything in the vicinity, resulting in a mess and damage to flooring and belongings.

The Steps for a Water Heater Flush

To perform this task, you will need three things: a garden hose, a screwdriver and a drainage area. If you have a gas water heater, turn off the gas line so the pilot light is extinguished. With an electric model, turn off the power to the appliance. Proceed with the following steps:

Connect one end of the hose to the drainage valve on the heater, and run the other end to a drainage area.

Allow the tank to drain through the hose, flushing out the accumulated sediment.

Close the valves, and resupply with water.

Turn the power or gas line back on.

You might need to run water through the tank a couple of times to achieve a better cleaning. The goal is to remove sediment, which can wear away the bottom of your heater.

The Steps for Stopping Water Damage Preventing water damage in your home in Estero, FL, saves you money and trouble. Whether water damage comes from a failed water heater or some other source, a professional water remediation team can handle the problem. Technicians will get to your home fast and complete an inspection and assessment, followed by a plan to remove water and mitigate damage. They can dry out moist areas with fans, and return your home to the way it was before a water problem.

Spring Has Sprung! Here’s How to Prepare a Business to Avoid Flooding From the Annual Thaw

How To Prevent Flood Damage In Your Business

Spring is a pretty amazing time in Coconut, FL. Sometimes, winter can feel like it lasts forever, so the welcome sound of robins singing, and a sweet breath of mild air seem to energize the region. However, it also comes with the annual spring thaw and associated risk of flooding. Snow and ice start melting – and even worse, the snow absorbs a lot of the meltwater and rain, so when the first heavy rain and warmer weather hits, a spring flood is expected. There are a few things a business can do to help prevent flood damage, including

Keeping plumbing insulated until the last deep freeze has passed.

Keep snow and ice away from the building.

Check the roof for ice dams between thaws.

The Plumbing Isn’t Safe Until the Last Deep Freeze Is Over A frozen pipe can happen anytime the temperature falls below 20 degrees. Keep spigots covered and pipes wrapped until you’re sure it won’t get close to that temperature.

Snow Is Like a Sponge The snow that piles up from sliding off roofs will collect all that meltwater and rain. Keep the area around your business clear of ice and snow and your chance of experiencing flooding are greatly lessened.

Ice Dams in Gutters Are Common The temperature in Coconut, FL, naturally fluctuates above and below freezing. This cycle, along with heat escaping from incompletely insulated roofs, creates areas of ice where water naturally accumulates. That’s a serious problem, because not only will these ice dams prevent normal water drainage, they expand and contract with the temperature change, creating gaps in between shingles and the vents and pipes above the roof. This allows water to seep into sensitive areas, often going unnoticed for long periods. The water damage can be very extensive in these cases. Anything you can do to prevent flooding will save you money in the long run. However, once you’ve experienced water damage to your business, it’s best to let a professional restoration company inspect the affected areas. They can fix the cause of the problem and repair all the damages with a single phone call from you.

How Is Sewer Damage Cleaned?

Has Flooding Breached Your Home?

Did a sewer pipe burst open, spilling over into the hallway? If so, you're residence in Coconut, FL has been exposed to category 3, highly contaminated fluid. Because of the precarious nature of the substance, don't attempt to wash it up yourself. Rather, call in experts who have the appropriate resources and knowledge to purify and restore.

1. Inspect the Premises A sewer backup happens quickly and is the result of a leak, clog or break. Shutting off the main water line won't stop it. A plumber needs to locate the source, repairing it as quickly as possible. In the meantime, don't run appliances or use your facilities. They moving water only furthers the trouble. With this mended, have a water restoration company evaluate the property, creating a plan to repair your abode properly.

2. Dry Out Quickly During the sewer cleanup process, you'll need to decrease the moisture levels first. The room should be contained, preventing spores and bacteria from spreading to other rooms. Therefore, you'll see the area isolated and the HVAC system shut off. In addition, dehumidifiers are brought, running continuously until the location has aired out appropriately, diminishing the likelihood of mold development.

3. Sanitize and Replace The flooded toilet did far more damage than you would believe. Now, the floors, walls, and baseboards need massive attention. It's not a job for the mop. The massive amount of microbes needs to be gutted; therefore, any absorbent materials should be taken out and tossed in the trash. Then, anti-microbial spray or additional cleaners can be used an anything remaining. Once clean, new items are installed. As for your belongings, speak with the crew. They often have special equipment to disinfect electronics, furniture, and personal objects. Seek action with sewer cleanup. The high levels of bacteria are hazardous, requiring prompt attention. Fix the initiating problem, remove the fluid, and discard polluted elements.

4 Simple Steps To Troubleshoot an Irrigation System

Four Steps To Take if Your Company Experiences Irrigation Problems

Whenever there is water flowing through pipes there is a potential for a plumbing problem. Even the best designed systems fail either through installation error, maintenance neglect or the wearing out of parts. This is true for an irrigation system in Estero, FL. When it comes to an outdoor sprinkler system, the signs of failure can be pretty spectacular in the form of geysers rising 10 feet in the air, or in standing ponds of water. Failure signs can be subtle, too, with a slow leak of water below the surface. Either way, you want to address problems as soon as they are discovered and call in a professional water mitigation team. Here are four steps to take if your company experiences irrigation problems:

Look for problems in the electrical system as faulty wires, timers and solenoids can result in irrigation system failures

Inspect the area for large root growth as this can move and even crack supply lines

Investigate areas of gushing water for broken sprinkler heads

Pay attention to areas of heavy traffic as the extra weight may cause added stress on the pipes

The excess water from a failed system can seep into the ground and reach into areas of your building. Water at the foundation can weaken its structural integrity and break down materials. Water in the basement can damage items that are being stored, affect electrical systems and enable mold growth.

Fast Cleanup

To prevent water damage from a faulty irrigation system in Estero, FL, it's is crucial to stop the leak at its source. Any water that has infiltrated the building should be removed quickly. Advanced drying techniques will remove high levels of humidity and make it difficult for mold to take hold. Any damaged materials such as carpeting or furnishings will either have to be restored or replaced. A fast effective cleanup reduces any additional damage from a water leak.

Best Responses To a Water Heater Flood

Best Responses To a Water Heater Flood

As careful and conscientious as you may be, you can't always prevent disasters from occurring in your Coconut, FL, home. Flooding is one of the most damaging problems you could face. Unfortunately, there are many ways water damage can affect you, your home and your possessions. Water heaters can be a culprit too. If you are diligent about maintenance and upkeep, you can reduce the risks of having a leaking water heater. Still, if problems do arise with this appliance, it's important to follow cleanup guidelines.

Don't Delay

You may first detect a broken water heater when you find there is no hot water left for your showers or cooking. Further inspection of the unit itself may reveal that it's leaking or has left a flood on the floor. If you spot these issues, do the following:

Unplug electrical devices in the area.

Move other materials out of the way.

Pull up any wet carpet and padding; set them out to dry.

Removing the Water Yourself

A failed water heater can leave anywhere from a small amount of water in the vicinity to several gallons on the floor and up the walls. For smaller jobs, grab a wet vacuum and begin extracting all the water you can see. Call a professional to repair the leak and inspect the unit. Make sure you thoroughly dry the floor as well.

Involving the Pros

Over time, a leaking water heater may have caused significant damage without you even knowing it. If you ultimately discover that water has rotted drywall or ruined the flooring, it's time to call a professional water cleanup company. Technicians will not only remove all water, but they'll use fans and dehumidifiers to discourage the growth of mold. Crews will also tear out drywall, carpet and sub-flooring if necessary. Taking care of a leaking water heater and other problems with this appliance doesn't have to be stressful. Follow these guidelines and involve the pros.

Will Your Insurance Cover Water Damage From Burst Frozen Pipes?

If this happens to you, you should file an insurance claim as soon as possible.

Will Your Insurance Cover Water Damage From Burst Frozen Pipes?

A frozen pipe burst can cause lots of water damage to your Coconut, FL, home. If this happens to you, you should file an insurance claim as soon as possible. Your homeowner's policy should cover the cost of emergency restoration services, such as:

Repairing your property

Drying your belongings

Tearing down and fixing walls to get to the burst pipe

Insurance may also pay for the cost of moving or living expenses that you incur while your home is uninhabitable. However, your insurance likely will not pay for the cost of actually fixing the burst pipe. When a Burst Pipe Is Covered by Insurance A typical homeowner's insurance policy covers “sudden and accidental” water discharge from the house's plumbing system. A burst frozen pipe is usually considered “sudden and accidental.”However, your insurance claim may be rejected if you didn't take the necessary steps to prevent the emergency in the first place.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

The main way to limit pipe freezing is to keep the pipes warm during the winter. You can use heat tape or foam insulation to cover the pipes in colder spaces such as the attic and crawlspace. Running water doesn’t freeze as easily as still water does. If you are worried about your pipes freezing at night, you can thus turn on your faucets and let small amounts of water flow through. You should also keep the thermostat at 55 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer at all times. Turning up the thermostat while you are on vacation or a long trip is another great way to prevent frozen pipes. You should also drain the pipes and turn off the water sources before you leave. As long as you take these necessary steps to prevent a frozen pipe burst in your home, your insurer should help you pay for the cost of restoration. Just be sure to make your insurance claim immediately.

Why You Should Repair a Leaking Toilet ASAP

A leaking toilet, depending on the size of the leak, can range from a minor annoyance to full-on panic. It can potentially leak up to 200 or 300 gallons per day, sending your utility bill skyrocketing with no warning. A toilet leak may even go unnoticed for a while; you may only realize there‘s a leak after seeing an increase in your water bill. This isn’t even the worst-case scenario.

What Kind of Problems Can Be Caused?

You may initially spot only a small amount of water at the base of your toilet. This type of bathroom leak that’s ignored for any length of time will eventually cause other more serious issues such as:

Damage to the floor and subfloor

Damage to the ceiling of a lower floor if the leak is on a higher floor

Hazards (e.g., slipping on the wet floor)

Mold can start growing within 24 hours of the introduction of water

Foul odor from dirty standing water

It’s important to avoid using the leaking toilet, if possible; flushing it and letting it continue to run will only exacerbate the leak and the damage to your house. Shut the water off to the toilet as soon as possible until the leak is repaired.

What Can Be Done?

A toilet is generally a very simple mechanism, so there’s a good chance that you’ll be able to handle the repair yourself, or even replace the toilet yourself if it should come to that. But first, you have to diagnose the problem. It could be anything from loose tee bolts to a leaking tank to rusted pipes. You may have to go through a series of diagnostic tests in order to figure out the problem. If you don’t have the time or experience to deal with it yourself, you may want to hire a plumber. If your Bonita Springs, FL home sustains damage from a leaking toilet, you can feel confident hiring water damage restoration professionals who will get it back to its original state.

How to Help Protect Your Home From Flood Damage | SERVPRO® of Bonita Springs/Estero

Discuss emergency procedures. Every member of your family needs to know exactly what to do if a flood should strike. This should include evacuation strategies, as well as how to locate important items and turn off electricity and water.

Know your risk. You can call the local branch of your emergency management office or log on to view the FEMA Flood Map Tool to uncover your risk and know what precautions to take.

Secure your valuables. Anything that’s considered irreplaceable should be kept off-site in a waterproof, secure location. For documents, make digital copies and keep the originals elsewhere.

Turn off electricity. While it might not seem like flooding is likely, if a flood occurs, your appliances and other items can be in danger due to electrical issues. That’s why it’s important to know how to turn your electricity off from the breaker box to reduce the risk of electrocution and damage.

Prepare appliances. You could always elevate appliances like washers and dryers on bricks or stands to keep them further out of the way of potential shallow flooding.

Raise hazardous materials. Items like oil, paint and other cleaning supplies could become dangerous when spilled into floodwater. You can elevate these as well.

Anchor propane and fuel tanks. If you have a fuel tank in your yard and it’s tipped over by flood waters, it can cause a fire or dangerous spillage. Either move tanks off your property or ensure they are firmly secured.

We know that the safety of your family is the No. 1 most important thing when disaster strikes. One way to help ensure their safety is to take precautions and understand evacuation procedures ahead of time, as it can help protect your home from extensive water damage and protect the family from danger as well.

If you’ve experienced water damage due to a flood or other causes, SERVPRO® of Bonita Springs/Estero is here to help. Our technicians are fully trained in water remediation, and our 24⁄7 Emergency Line at (239)791-8892 means we’ll be there for you when you call.

Avoiding Water Damages in Bonita Springs

It's hard to fully appreciate the impact of the damage caused by water in your home until you've actually experienced it. One of the most expensive losses suffered by homeowners happens when they have a broken pipe or other cause of water damage. Fortunately, regular maintenance and annual inspections can go a long way toward preventing those losses. Even without understanding the potential devastation, you can still take steps to prevent damage from happening.

Check Out the HVAC System

You may discover drips or leaks if the appliances in your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system aren't functioning properly. You should never see water coming from your indoor units (other than minor "sweat" on the indoor evaporator coil.) If there's ever enough moisture to cause a drip, you may have trouble. You should also be on the lookout for ice build-up on the indoor coil. Regular maintenance is a great way to spot trouble early on, so you can make minor repairs before you have expensive damages on your hands.

2. Inspect Appliance Regularly

Appliances such as dishwashers, clothes washers, dryers, and refrigerators are common causes of leaking water in home. You can avoid a lot of damage by routinely inspecting hoses and connections. Keep appliance vents clean and clear. Watch out for corrosion and leaks. These quick and easy steps don't take long and are very effective at preventing water damages.

3. Have a relationship With a Plumber

You may not notice a broken pipe until you have significant damage and lots of expenses due to pipe cleanup without regular visits from a plumber. Leaks from the toilet, bathtub, shower, or sink could happen behind the walls or under the floor. As soon as you notice unpleasant or musty smells, condensation on pipes, or puddles of water, contact a plumber. You should also act quickly if you notice an unusual spike in your monthly water bill.

Don't wait until you have to call a restoration specialist to take action. Prevent water damages in homes with consistent maintenance and routine inspections.